TPG: 10 things I miss about flying
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
As someone who usually flies 250,000+ miles and hasn’t been on plane since March 1 due to coronavirus, these last two months being grounded have me itching to get back in the air, just like everyone else here at TPG.
Want more travel news and advice from TPG? Sign up for our daily newsletter.
While I’m using this time to continue to rack up points and miles for and plan my next trip, I’ve also been thinking about the little things — even the usually annoying things! — I miss about being in an airport right now.
Here are 10 aspects of life on the road I’ll welcome with open arms once the time comes.
1. The unmistakable smell of Auntie Anne’s pretzels wafting through the terminal.
2. The frantic last-call boarding announcements for the person *still drinking* at the airport Chili’s, about to miss their flight to Cancun.
Read more: 25 Years Too Old: A Review of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
3. The head-to-toe, rubber-gloved TSA pat down.
4. The feeling of daggers in my back as I jump to the front of the TSA PreCheck line thanks to my CLEAR status.
Read more: Should you get TSA PreCheck or CLEAR — or both?
5. The excitement of walking onto a plane with delusions of grandeur, thinking your seatmate is going to be your soul mate — but it’s usually just another tired business traveler.
6. Trying to find the Uber driver — “Are you in the inside lane or the outer lane?!” — and time it *exactly right* to minimize time outside.
7. Shopping at Hudson News, trying to find a healthy but delicious snack and coming up empty once again — and just going with mesquite barbecue deep fried potato chips.
8. Waiting in endless Starbucks lines, wishing they had mobile ordering in airports.
Read more: The best credit cards to use at Starbucks
9. Eating nuts on a plane as if they are the most exclusive delicacy in the world — even when I don’t really like nuts, but they just taste better warm on a plane.
10. Feeling like Norm from “Cheers” walking into a Centurion Lounge, seeing the friendly check-in agents and countless TPG readers, and knowing I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Want more of Brian’s thoughts on travel, points and miles, and much more? Sign up for TPG’s new weekly newsletter written by Brian Kelly.
What weird things do you miss most about being in an airport? Let us know in the comments.
Feature image by Wyatt Smith / The Points Guy.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 80,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,650
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases within your first year of account opening.
- Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.